BPF Malawi appoints Caroline Mtukule

Bhubesi Pride Foundation’s Malawi NGO (BPF Malawi) is delighted to announce the appointment of Caroline Mtukule as its newly appointed Netball Development Officer. Caroline will join BPF Malawi in a full-time position from 1 June, 2021. She will be based out of BPF’s newly constructed sports & education community centre in Mtema, a rural community on the outskirts of Lilongwe.

Caroline brings a wealth of experience to the BPF team and has been an ever-present figure as captain of the Malawi National Team (currently ranked 6th in the INF world rankings) for many years. In a playing career dating back to 2004, Caroline has played in her favoured positions of ‘goal defence’ or ‘goal keeper’, featuring in four consecutive Netball World Cups and Commonwealth Games tournaments.

As her playing career heads towards the twilight years, Caroline is excited to be able to continue to work in a sport that has given her so much. She told us:

“I am truly humbled and delighted to be joining such an ambitious organisation. I cannot wait to get started. Helping to inspire young people from rural communities in Malawi has always been a passion of mine and to be able to do this using the sport of netball is a dream come true!”

BPF’s founder, Richard Bennett, said:

“I’m thrilled to welcome Caroline to the BPF team. Adding someone of Caroline’s calibre speaks volumes to the work we are doing in Africa. We are very much looking forward to working with Caroline, supporting her to develop and grow our netball operations in Malawi and further afield”.

In her role as Netball Development Officer, Caroline will be instrumental in developing BPF’s netball program, utilising BPF Malawi’s Mtema facility as well as leading an outreach program in 11 local schools. She will report to Wordsworth Rashid, BPF Malawi’s Development Officer – and both of whom will be supported by Rory McGee, BPF’s Operations Director.

This is BPF Malawi’s first formal netball appointment, with the charity having historically focused on rugby, however, as Gareth Nokes, BPF’s CEO notes:

“The benefits to young people playing team sports, such as rugby and netball, are unquestionable. We view both sports as co-ed with gender equality of paramount importance to our programs. Being part of a team, working together to overcome challenges and respecting your fellow athletes and coaches are all part of the vital role sport can play in developing these young people who have experienced hardship and challenges throughout their lives. Our programs develop future leaders who will unite and uplift our communities for decades to come.”